Did you know that lemurs have two tongues? The additional tongue - the sublingua - is for cleaning other lemurs to show friendship and affection. This is similar to how humans can make new friends by learning another tongue.
Sophie Kromholz is an artist, art historian, creative explorer, and communicator.
Did you know that lemurs have two tongues? The additional tongue - the sublingua - is for cleaning other lemurs to show friendship and affection. This is similar to how humans can make new friends by learning another tongue.
Sophie Kromholz is an artist, art historian, creative explorer, and communicator.
Asia & Oceania
India & Scotland
As the legend goes, chicken tikka masala, a staple dish at all UK Indian restaurants, was invented in… Glasgow. Since the British colonisation of India, Britons have been settling in the subcontinent. Migration continues for different reasons - in both directions.
In recent decades, many Indians have come to Scotland to work and study. Their presence is noticeable through restaurants, yoga classes, places of worship, monuments such as Gandhi’s statue in Edinburgh, and more. Did you know that the famous Glaswegian comedian, Billy Connolly, had Indian ancestry on his mother’s side?
Malaysia & Scotland
What is now known as Malaysia was a British colony until 1956. Since the colonial period, there has been migration for various reasons in both directions. Today there are around 5000 Malaysians in Scotland. Some were recruited to work in the UK within healthcare programmes. Malaysian presence in Scotland is also marked by restaurants and community and student associations.
Julie Lin is a Scottish Malaysian chef. After participating in Master Chef 2014, she has appeared in multiple BBC and Netflix cooking shows. She brings the flavours of Malaysia to Partick, where she runs her signature restaurant.
New Zealand & Scotland
Many Scottish people migrated to New Zealand during the 19th century gold rushes. Today, it is estimated that up to 2 million New Zealanders (out of 5.5 million in total) have Scottish ancestry. The city of Dunedin in Southland Otago is named after the Gaelic name of Edinburgh. Events such as Burns Night and ceilidhs are held, and a legend goes that New Zealand has more bagpipe bands than Scotland! Almost 4000 New Zealanders live in Scotland nowadays, including Robyn Marsack, who for several years served as the director of the Scottish Poetry Library.
Pakistan & Scotland
With independence from British colonial rule, and partition of India, Pakistan was formed in 1947. In an effort to rebuild Britain after WW2, people from Commonwealth countries were invited here to cover labour shortages. They were recruited to work in the NHS, universities, and in industries like steel, textile, transport, and engineering.
Today, there are around 72,000 people of Pakistani origin in Scotland, many of them settled for generations. Pakistani influences add flavour and colour to Scottish neighbourhoods through restaurants, sweet shops, and textile shops. Scotland has even had a son of Pakistani migrants, Humza Yousaf, as its First Minister.
The Philippines & Scotland
There are nearly 6,200 Filipinos living in Scotland. Majority of them came here to work for the NHS and in private healthcare facilities. Many others work in hospitality, tourism, and entertainment. In June, Barrio Fiesta, a celebration of Filipino culture through traditional food, dance, and music, is held across the UK. Scotland’s 2024 festival took place in Strathclyde Country Park in Motherwell. Throughout the year, you can enjoy Filipino food from a supermarket in Glasgow city centre. There is also a food stall that tours Scottish markets. Have you ever tried lumpia, halo-halo, or mais con yelo?
Taiwan & Scotland
Taiwan and Scotland are tied together with tea. It was a Scottish merchant, John Dodd, who made Taiwanese Oolong tea world-famous. In the 1980s, the Taiwanese started moving to Scotland for education and work, bringing in their foods and treats, including bubble tea. The Scottish Parliament has a cross-party group on Taiwan. There even is a Taiwanese season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Americas
Argentina & Scotland
Did you know the man considered ‘the father of Argentine football’ was a Glaswegian? Alexander Watson Hutton, from the Gorbals, taught football at the St. Andrews Scots School in Buenos Aires in the 1880s. He also established the Argentine Association Football League, the first football league outside the British Isles.
There are around 26,000 Argentines living in the UK. Scottish migrants have been in Argentina since the 1820s. Today, 100,000 Argentines have ancestry from Scotland, and Argentina is home to the largest Scottish diaspora outside English-speaking countries.
Canada & Scotland
The first trace of Scots on Canadian land dates back to 1010 when the Vikings enslaved some and likely used them as human shields during an expedition. Later, around the 18th century, many Scots fled to Canada to escape religious persecution, famine, and poverty. Their legacy lives in modern-day Gaelic-speaking communities in Nova Scotia. A Gaelic college in Cape Breton teaches the language and traditional arts such as storytelling or bagpiping.
There are about 7000 Canadians living in Scotland. Most of them have moved here to work, study, or reconnect with the homeland of their ancestors.
El Salvador & Scotland
Many Salvadorans based in Scotland moved here to escape violence and political instability after the civil war. Most of them came here between 2015 and 2022 and settled in Glasgow. The community is quite new, but there are already signs of their presence in the city. You can buy Salvadoran products from a store on High Street and order pupusa from Dennistoun. There is also a traditional dance group set up by Salvadoran women. In Edinburgh, Romero Place is named after a Salvadoran archbishop killed in March 1980 which marked the beginning of the civil war.
USA & Scotland
If you road trip around the United States, you may find yourself driving through Glasgow, Dumfries, Kilmarnock or Midlothian. These are just some of the many towns scattered around the USA named after Scottish places by Scots who migrated there. Today, there are an estimated 25 million Americans of Scottish descent, and more than 23,000 Americans now call Scotland home. On April the 6th, Americans celebrate the National Tartan Day, emphasising historical links between the two countries.
Africa & Middle East
Eritrea & Scotland
Eritreans move to Scotland to escape dictatorship and human rights abuses. Everyone between the age of 18 and 60 has to do military service which is indefinite. Since 2003, about 1 million have fled Eritrea. Approximately 1600 of them ended up in Glasgow. It is a small community, yet it has made a mark on Scottish life, from the food scene to sports. An Eritrean restaurant serves traditional food in Glasgow city centre, and a sports club from the East End, Shettleston Harriers, had a team of refugee runners from Eritrea who won multiple Scottish championships.
Iran & Scotland
Many Iranians seek asylum in Scotland due to religious and political persecution, most arriving here since the late 1970s. They run Persian restaurants, oriental rug shops, and groceries selling traditional delicacies. There are schools for Iranian children in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Every Spring, Iranian Scottish families celebrate their New Year (Nowruz) with picnics by Loch Lomond and in other green spaces.
Have you heard of the Iranian Scot, Melika Balali, a gold-winning champion wrestler, poet, and painter who highlights women rights in her work? And did you groove to Darius Danesh’s ‘Colourblind’ when it was the no. 1 UK single in 2002?
Kenya & Scotland
The migration of Scots to Kenya started in the early days of African colonisation. The first president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, studied at a primary school started by Scottish missionaries. His teacher, Minnie Watson, arrived with the East Africa Scottish Mission funded by colonial merchants.
After Kenya gained independence in 1963, many Kenyans with South Asian ancestry were expelled as a backlash against the racial hierarchies created during British colonial rule. Many of them settled in the UK. Currently, around 3000 Kenyan people call Scotland home.
Kurdistan & Scotland
Kurdistan is a region spanning across parts of Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq. It is not an internationally recognised country, but many Kurdish people consider it one and campaign for its independence. Many are exiled because of discrimination they were experiencing. Kurds have been arriving in the UK since the 1980s. In Scotland, they run Kurdish community hubs, women’s groups, university societies, shops, and restaurants. Every March, celebrations of Kurdish Newroz (New Year) brighten up Glasgow and Edinburgh with bonfires, line dances, folk music, and traditional costumes.
Nigeria & Scotland
During the British colonial period, Scots were amongst the colonists who went to West Africa. Many Black people from Nigeria and other countries were forcibly brought here through the transatlantic slave trade and ended up living in industrial cities of Scotland.
More recently, Nigerian people have been arriving here to work in the oil industry and study at Scottish universities. Today there are 21,000 Nigerians in Scotland, with the largest community in Aberdeen. In 2022, Glasgow City Council voted to return 17 bronze sculptures from the Glasgow Museums collection to Nigeria. It is the biggest repatriation of artefacts in Scottish history.
Sudan & Scotland
Hamza Yassin is a wildlife photo- and videographer, a TV personality, and a 2022 winner of Strictly Come Dancing. He was born in Sudan and grew up in England, but his love for wildlife led him to settling in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands. Another well-known Sudanese, the writer Leila Aboulela, lives in Aberdeen.
Until recently, there were only around 1000 Sudanese people in Scotland. However, the outbreak of civil war in 2023 has caused many more to come here and seek safety. There are Sudanese community organisations in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Syria & Scotland
In response to calls for refugee protection after the outbreak of the war in Syria, the UK government introduced the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) in 2014. It was the first time that all local authorities in Scotland received refugees. Nowadays, more than 5000 Syrians live in Scotland, with Glasgow being home to around 4000 of them. Scottish Syrians work as doctors, teachers, chefs, and in many other professions. Syrian food is served not only in restaurants across Glasgow but also in more remote places like Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.
Zambia & Scotland
Zambia had a long and uneasy history with the British Empire. Among the many Scots settled in Zambia during the colonial era was the family of the former president, Guy Scott. Another well-known Scot in Zambia was David Livingstone, an explorer and naturalist originally from Blantyre.
Scottish Zambians run SCOZAP - an organisation that hosts traditional celebrations and Independence Day anniversaries. The brightly-coloured clothes with African prints worn on special occasions come from shops here or are brought in from visits to Zambia. African shops in Glasgow offer nshima, a staple food in Zambian cuisine. Have you tried it?
Europe
Bulgaria & Scotland
Bulgarians started coming to Scotland in 2014, after gaining the right to work and study in the UK as EU nationals. At the Bulgarian school in Edinburgh, children learn language, literature, history and geography of their ancestral country, and take part in Bulgarian folk dance and song classes. There is also a dynamic Bulgarian dance group at the University of Glasgow. One of the better-known local Bulgarians, artist Aleksander Buzilov, moved to Scotland to work on a fruit farm. He fell in love with Dundee and captured his feelings in a series of paintings.
Kosovo & Scotland
The 1998-99 war in the Balkans forced Albanian Kosovars to flee as their lives were in danger due to ethnic cleansing. Scotland offered them safety within the biggest ever refugee settlement programme in our country. Evacuated Kosovars settled in Springburn, Paisley, and North Berwick. Soon after arrival, they set up initiatives such as a dance group and a football team. Many of these refugees returned to Kosovo after the war ended. Others remained here and still work in our education and charity sectors, among others.
Poland & Scotland
Did you know that Bonnie Prince Charlie was half-Polish and 30,000 Scots lived in Poland in the 17th century? During World War II, Polish soldiers guarded the Scottish coast against Nazi invasion, and some of them settled locally. Today, around 60,000 Poles reside here. Signs of Polish presence in Scotland include many grocery shops, restaurants, and arts and culture organisations. Have you seen the Great Polish Map of Scotland in the Scottish Borders or the statue of the beloved Wojtek the Bear in Edinburgh?
Romania & Scotland
Although Romania joined the EU in 2007, it wasn’t until seven years later that its citizens were given the right to work in the UK and some moved here. There are around 12,000 Romanians living in Scotland nowadays. A Romanian grocery shop on Glasgow’s Victoria Road is known for marking various holidays with flamboyant decorations, including colourful lights, plushies, and even bringing in real ponies that stop the crowds. Romania and Scotland are also linked by their shared patron saint, St Andrew.
Slovakia & Scotland
Slovakia and Scotland share mountainous landscapes dotted with castles, folk music with breathtaking wind instruments, and populations of 5.5 million. The origins of modern Slovakia can be linked to a Scottish political activist and historian, R. W. Seton-Watson. His work contributed to Czechoslovakia breaking out from the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I. This later helped pave the way for Slovakia as we know it.
Today, around 2500 Slovak people live in Scotland, including many Roma. Most of them moved here after Slovakia joined the EU in 2004. They work in beauty, music, community development, manufacturing, and other fields.
Spain & Scotland
Did you know that in the late 1890s, the Escoces Football Club was formed in Barcelona by textile workers from Ayrshire? Later, many of the club's players went on to play for FC Barcelona. A Glasgow-born forward, George Pattullo, scored 41 goals for Barcelona in just 20 matches during the 1910-11 season. Nowadays, many Spanish people live in Scotland, with Edinburgh being home to around 30.000 of them. Spanish is one of the key languages taught at Scottish schools, many local restaurants serve Spanish tapas, and several planes a day take Scots to sunny destinations in Spain.
Ukraine & Scotland
Migration between Ukraine and Scotland is centuries old. While 18th-century Ukrainian students came to Edinburgh to study medicine, the Scottish engineer Charles Gascoigne founded the industrial city of Luhansk. Many Ukrainian refugees fled to Scotland during the Second World War, and more recently, since February 2022, due to the ongoing war.
Today, there are several Ukrainian arts and culture groups in Scotland. Scottish audiences can enjoy Ukrainian choral singing and contemporary art in local venues. On Calton Hill in Edinburgh, there is a plaque commemorating Volodymyr the Great, a mediaeval king of Ukraine.
Fiona Frank about Hannah Frank
Zine 9 - Honouring Our Ancestors
What’s your name, and how would you describe yourself?
I’m Fiona Frank, a niece and champion of the Glasgow artist Hannah Frank (1908-2008).
How did your family end up in Scotland?
My aunt Hannah Frank was born in Glasgow. Her father, my grandfather, was born in Valkomir (now Ukmerge) in present-day Lithuania, then Russia. At the time, thousands of Eastern European Jews left Russian territories to escape pogroms. My grandfather’s oldest sister was already in Scotland, so he followed her and settled here together with several other siblings at the end of the nineteenth century.
What mediums and formats did Hannah Frank use in her art?
My aunt used pen and ink, and she always worked in black and white. When she was around forty, she turned to sculpture and worked in clay or terracotta. Occasionally she had her work cast in bronze for exhibitions.
Did the family’s experience of migration influence her art?
My aunt used some Jewish themes in her art, particularly biblical themes. But it was mostly her own style and imagery - distinctive, long-haired, wraith-like women.
In your view, does your aunt’s migrant heritage influence how her art is seen in Scotland and the UK?
I think it’s well known that Hannah Frank is a Scottish Jewish artist. But she took inspiration and influence from British artists, such as the MacDonald sisters, Jessie King and Aubrey Beardsley. Most people associate her style with Scottish Art Nouveau, not with her Jewishness or migrant heritage.
What is her artwork in the zine about? What medium did she use and why?
Come Lovely and Soothing Death is an illustration for a poem. My aunt loved poetry, and her art often responded to texts by classical and contemporary poets and writers. Here she used her signature long-haired, cloaked figures to illustrate a line from Walt Whitman’s poem ‘When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d’, an elegy to President Abraham Lincoln after his assassination.
“Come lovely and soothing death
Undulate round the world, serenely
arriving, arriving
In the day, in the night, to all, to each,
Sooner or later, delicate death.”
What elements of your and your family’s cultural and ethnic heritage, if any, have you noticed in Scotland?
It’s great to see the physical signs of where the Jewish community once lived in the Gorbals and Govanhill. Some houses have nail holes outside, on the right-hand side of the doorposts. They are evidence that a Jewish family had lived there, because they mean that once there were ‘mezuzot’ (containers with a piece of parchment inscribed with words from the Jewish daily prayer) affixed to the walls.
Omar Imidak
Zine 17 - Music Makers
How would you describe your profession?
I work as a freelance illustrator under the alias Imidak Art. I am also studying BA Design Practice.
What’s your country of origin, and when did you come to Scotland?
I come from the Canary Islands, and have been living in Glasgow since 2015.
How did you end up in Scotland?
I originally came here to study Immunology at the University of Glasgow, and after finishing… I just stayed.
As an artist, what medium and formats do you use?
I use lino print, marker drawing, and digital illustration. In general, I tend to choose media that allow me to work in bold shapes and marks, without worrying much about details or realism.
Has your experience of migration influenced your art?
Definitely, though not always consciously. I often realise that my style is reminiscent of the art I grew up seeing, such as traditional Canarian art or the cartoons and comic strips we had at home. Many things here catch my eye that native Scots wouldn’t maybe consider particularly special, such as the landscapes, architecture, or even just the skies.
What is your zine poster artwork about? What medium did you use and why?
My poster is from a set of illustrations about Govanhill, its community, and its social life. I wanted to convey how colourful, vibrant, and diverse Govanhill is. This is why I decided to create a digital cartoon-style illustration. This medium allows me to be more playful with colour and shape, and create a visual summary of Govanhill while keeping the image clear and readable.
Kamil Sznurkowski
Zine 16 - We’re Game!
How would you describe your profession?
I am an artist and designer. I specialise in a variety of creative fields including graphic design, art direction, and framing. I’m passionate about creating artwork that people can connect to on an emotional and cultural level.
What’s your country of origin, and what brought you to Scotland?
I am originally from Poland. I moved to Scotland several years ago to explore new opportunities and to immerse myself in the vibrant art community here. My journey to Scotland was driven by a desire to expand my horizons both personally and professionally. I was attracted to Scotland's rich history and its welcoming environment for artists. The move has allowed me to connect with a diverse community and explore new dimensions in my work.
As an artist, what medium and formats do you use?
I work across several mediums including digital art, painting, and graphic design. My tools range from traditional mediums like paint and canvas to digital software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Has your experience of migration influenced your art?
Absolutely. The experience of migration has deeply influenced my work. It has heightened my sensitivity to themes of identity, belonging, and cultural fusion. My art often reflects the intersection of my Polish heritage with my experiences in Scotland, exploring both the challenges and the beauty of living between two cultures.
In your view, does being a migrant artist influence how your art is seen in Scotland?
I believe being a migrant artist adds a unique perspective to my work, which is often appreciated in Scotland and the UK. Because of my migrant experience, my art offers a different lens through which cultural identity and social issues can be explored. It makes it resonate with a wider audience. However, it also means navigating the complex dynamics of representation and visibility as an artist with a non-local background.
What is your zine poster artwork about? What medium did you use and why?
My zine poster, People Play Volleyball, is about celebrating diversity and inclusion through the sport of volleyball. I use bold colours and symbolic imagery to convey this message of inclusivity and diversity. The poster is a vibrant blend of pink and white, and it features characters representing different communities coming together. I used digital illustration tools to create a clean design that echoes the well-known slogan - People Make Glasgow. It emphasises that sports like volleyball are for everyone, regardless of background or identity.
What elements of your cultural/ethnic heritage, if any, have you noticed in Scotland?
In Scotland, I've seen many elements of Polish culture reflected in the community - from Polish shops and restaurants to cultural clubs and events. The Sikorski Polish Club in Glasgow, for example, has been a significant place for me. I’ve been actively involved in promoting art and cultural activities there. It’s a place where the Polish community comes together to celebrate our shared heritage.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your art, experience of migration, or heritage?
My experience as a migrant has been a profound journey of self-discovery and artistic growth. Through my art, I aim to bridge cultures and tell stories that resonate with a broad audience. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in Scotland - to connect to others through my work and to contribute to the cultural tapestry of this diverse and dynamic country.
Rosie Cunningham
Zine 5 - Culture Ceilidh
How would you describe your profession?
I’m a freelance Illustrator.
What’s your country of origin, and when did you come to Scotland?
I was born in Carlisle, England, but have lived on the same street in Glasgow since 2003. Apart from living in Germany and China for short periods, I have lived here for longer than anywhere else.
How did you end up here?
I came to Glasgow to study at the art school. Being here helped me connect with my grandmother who lived in Glasgow all her life, as well as feeling a connection with the city, landscapes and coasts of Scotland.
As an artist, what medium and formats do you use?
Call me old-fashioned, but I love pencil and A4 paper. I often use inks, pens, and nib pens, especially on larger scale work (still on paper, usually) but simple pencil and paper is my real love. I have recently been exploring collage and also drying and pressing collected seaweed to make art.
Has your or your experience of migration influenced your art?
I migrated to China around 2009 and it was an incredibly eye-opening experience; amazing, powerful and exciting, but also fraught with anxiety. I could not find a place to be myself and felt constantly misunderstood in all sorts of ways. I feel very Scottish now, rather than English, but accept that in reality I am a true mixture of both via my heritage too. I have had flatmates from Japan, Kenya, Poland, Brazil, Germany, Korea, Ireland and Northern Ireland; their experiences were often difficult in terms of language, culture and belonging. I try to empathise with that, especially having been in the same position in China. It was another world. My mother was born in England but lived in Australia with her family until she was 7 when they returned to the UK. I think that journey has been impactful on her life but also in my understanding of concepts of ‘home’ and family. Journeys are something I am fascinated with; getting from one place to another and being present for more than the destination.
How is your identity interwoven with Scotland?
I feel that being English in Scotland used to be more difficult, now I have adapted so that people can’t really tell. For me, the migration is nuanced because England is so close and I now feel more affinity with my Scottish identity! I imagine it would perhaps be different if I was from further away.
Because I have family history in this city, for me it’s more about uncovering and understanding how I fit into the story of Glasgow through my family, through time, and through all the changes that Glasgow has and is experiencing. I sometimes see Glasgow through my grandmother’s eyes, through stories she told.
What is your zine poster artwork about? What medium did you use and why?
I captured moments of dance and celebration at a Migrant Voice ceilidh. What a joy! It was such a pleasure to draw people in the moment on paper, and everyone was delighted to be immortalised. I used ink and brushes so the drawings could be done quickly, but also to introduce movement and to have fun with the weight of the brush. It was pure play.
Has anything happened in your career as a result of you contributing your artwork to Migrant Voice’s zine series?
I have worked with Migrant Voice a few more times since making the ceilidh live illustration - so that’s wonderful for me! I love the work they do, the people I have met are incredibly generous with their time and talents. I am coming to realise that not everyone can do the work I do in the way I do it. That’s a big confidence win for me. Anyone I drew that night still tells me what it means to them - and what is more valuable than true connection?
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your art, experience of migration, or heritage?
I find migration such a complex topic; in my experience it’s a difficult road. It can be freeing and joyous, but it can be crushing and emotionally wrenching. Like everything I experience - it changes the way I see the world, offers new perspectives and keeps things moving.
Jillian Mendoza
Zine 15 - Sharing the Power
How would you describe your profession?
I’m just a simple illustrator starting out!
What’s your country of origin, and how did you end up in Scotland?
I was born in the Philippines in 2002. My mum, who’s a nurse, was offered a job in Glasgow. She accepted the offer as she wanted a better life and more opportunities for us. Along with a group of other Filipino nurses, she flew to Glasgow and by 2004 my dad, brother and I moved here, too. My younger brother was then born here, and we have been living in Scotland ever since.
As an artist, what medium and formats do you use?
I try to be as open-minded as possible with my process, so an important element of that is improvisation. I avoid being perfectionist and technical in my art, and instead I focus on feeling, atmosphere, or a thought I’ve been pondering on. Then I let my subconscious to
take over from there. It creates some interesting results! I am most comfortable using things that I can easily acquire, such as scraps of paper, sketchbook pages, pens, pencils and paint markers. The simpler the better! I also scan drawings and edit them digitally if need be.
Has your or your family’s experience of migration influenced your art?
I’m at an age where I’m seriously questioning my sense of identity. I have made a couple of illustrations surrounding my Filipino heritage, family life, and the cultural traditions I grew up with. With that said, I do feel somewhat disconnected with the country I was born in. I haven’t been back in years, and I am accustomed to a westernised way of living. In a way, I use my drawings to tackle that disconnection and loneliness. I create characters that cheer me up and mirror some parts of myself that, hopefully, the viewers of my art can relate to. Many friends have called my work wholesome. I like to think it takes root in family and community values that my parents and family friends have instilled upon me, along with the importance of love in all forms.
What is your zine poster artwork about? What medium did you use?
It is about people (or fruit folk in the illustration rather!) building a house together. It symbolises community, teamwork, and building a better home for everyone. I used Posca pen and coloured pencil to make it as playful and vibrant as possible!
What elements of your cultural/ethnic heritage, if any, have you noticed in Scotland?
In Glasgow there now is a Jollibee and a Filipino supermarket. There also was a traditional Barrio Fiesta earlier this year in Motherwell.
Has anything happened as a result of you contributing your artwork to our zine series?
It’s made me think of my identity more and my place in the world. The amount of positive feedback on the illustration is much appreciated, thank you all!
Kanae Park
Zine 13 - Migrant Women
How would you describe your profession?
I am an artist and designer.
What’s your country of origin, and what brought you to Scotland?
I am originally from Japan. I moved to Scotland in 2010. My journey to Scotland was influenced by my personal life - my husband is Scottish. This is what brought me here.
As an artist, what medium and formats do you use?
My specialty is printmaking. It allows me to explore intricate designs and textures. Besides that, I also work with digital formats, ceramics, and jewellery.
Has your experience of migration influenced your art?
Yes, my experience of migration has deeply influenced my art. The themes I explore often revolve around the feelings of connection and disconnection with my home country. The techniques I use, particularly in printmaking, allow me to express these complex emotions and the blending of cultures.
In your view, does being a migrant artist influence how your art is seen in Scotland and the UK?
Being a migrant artist does influence how my art is perceived. I think there is often an added layer of interest or curiosity about my work because it brings a different cultural perspective. This can sometimes lead to my art being viewed through the lens of my identity as a Japanese artist in Scotland, rather than just as an artist.
What is your zine poster artwork about? What medium did you use and why?
My zine poster artwork explores the theme of women’s inner power and pride. I aimed to depict the strength and dignity that women carry within them, often unspoken but always present. To convey this, I used a combination of printmaking and collage. Printmaking provides a strong, textured foundation that captures the intensity and depth of these qualities. The collage technique allows me to add layers and textures, symbolising the multifaceted nature of women’s experiences and their resilience. Together, these mediums create a rich, expressive piece that honours the strength inherent in every woman.
Adam Gandy
Zine 12 - Visit My Country
How would you describe your profession?
I am an artist, illustrator, and arts tutor.
What’s your country of origin, and when did you come to Scotland?
I was born in Canada, and I arrived in Glasgow in 2014.
How did you end up in Scotland?
In 2013, a job offer took me (and my partner) to Munich from Vancouver. When our Munich flat sublet came to an end, we found ourselves in a bind. My partner had friends in Glasgow and because I could travel back to Munich for work from there, we moved to Glasgow Southside. We procured a Visa for my partner to come to the UK in 2015 and entered a protracted battle with the Home Office 'Hostile Environment' policy. During these legal events, Brexit happened, and ended my ability to work in Europe.
As an artist, what medium and formats do you use?
I am a self-taught ceramic sculptor. I make otherworldly objects as well as decorated pottery. I also have a drawing practice that often branches out into illustration.
Has your experience of migration influenced your art?
I know that my history of migration has some effect on my creative output, but not in a conscious way. There could be subconscious links between being seen as an alien and making alien objects, or cultural references in my drawings. However, I have the luxury of putting my migration story aside as I make artworks.
In your view, does being a migrant artist influence how your art is seen in Scotland and the UK?
Having a migration story is always compelling to people and will always invite questions and comments. However, as a Canadian, I don’t feel expected to convey a singular cultural expression in my art.
What is your zine poster artwork about? What medium did you use and why?
My first thought was to represent my memories of the mountain environment I spent my early years in.
What elements of your cultural heritage, if any, have you noticed in Scotland?
My mother's family is from Romania and my father came from Liverpool. I see a lot of his culture here. In the Southside, I am also fortunate to have a couple of Romanian shops that I can visit for familiar foods and flavours.
Has anything happened as a result of you contributing your artwork to Migrant Voice’s zine series?
A person from the same area in Canada as me (the Kootenays) saw my poster in the zine and recognised the references. It was a lovely surprise. It's nice to know my memories are shared by others.
Julita Hanlon
Zine 10 - Fish and Chips and Other Migrant Creations
How would you describe your profession?
I am a Master of Fine Art student at Glasgow School of Art and an artist.
What’s your country of origin, and when did you come to Scotland?
I am originally from Poland, and I came to Scotland in 1992.
How did you end up in Scotland?
With all the political and economic changes going on in Poland at the time, I felt it would be beneficial to learn English. And what is a better way than to learn it in Scotland? I then went on to do HND Business Administration in Scotland and met my now husband of 27 years somewhere along the way.
As an artist, what medium and formats do you use?
I work mainly in installation, spanning mediums as diverse as metal, etching, screen printing, stitching, text, film, and photography.
Has your experience of migration influenced your art?
My work focuses on social justice, and migration is one of the aspects of it. I am currently carrying out research into homemaking and integration and what these concepts mean to both migrants and host communities.
In your view, does being a migrant artist influence how your art is seen in Scotland and the UK?
I am a migrant and my work might touch on the migration issues, but I have rarely considered this in the context of how my art might be perceived. I’ve never had feedback on my art that mentioned my background.
What is your zine poster artwork about? What medium did you use and why?
My zine poster focused on migrant inventors, and I absolutely loved doing research for this. Putting my findings in a visual form was a challenge, and in the end I decided on a digital network diagram that would have the details of selected inventors on. I felt that borrowing this image from science would suit the topic and work well here.
What elements of your cultural heritage, if any, have you noticed in Scotland?
When I came here, I found my community through a few second-generation Poles. I frequently attended the Polish Sikorski Club near Kelvingrove. After Poland joined the EU in 2004, there was a growing number of Polish shops, but this trend seems to be disappearing now. However, I love the fact that celeriac is now available in most shops! I missed that vegetable for a long time.
Has anything happened in your career as a result of you contributing your artwork to Migrant Voice’s zine series?
I have enjoyed working with Migrant Voice on several projects. Involvement with Migrant Voice offered me an opportunity to meet new people, lead some workshops, and in the end, become part of an ongoing creative collective - Threading Stories.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your art, experience of migration, or heritage?
Being a migrant opens our eyes to the world and allows us to understand that people are essentially people, no matter where they are from. I was brought up in a very open-minded, tolerant, and welcoming community, and I brought that mindset to Scotland. I find it interesting to consider my heritage in the context of a changing society and to watch myself grow as an individual rather than a product of one culture or another. Through my art, I want to provoke a reflection and pose questions on how we can make our world better, our society more just, and our communities more welcoming.
Anna Strzałkowska
Zine 2 - Greetings from Glasgow
How would you describe your profession?
I like to think of myself as an artist who loves people, multiculturalism, and creativity. I also see myself as a cultural storyteller, using my art to share narratives and experiences of migration.
What’s your country of origin, and what brought you to Scotland?
I’m originally from Poland and made the big move to Scotland in 2006. Like many migrants, I came to Scotland seeking new opportunities, both personally and professionally. My family and I were drawn to the country’s welcoming nature and believed it would be a great place to start afresh.
As an artist, what medium and formats do you use?
I love working with a variety of media - ink, watercolour, acrylics, print, mixed media techniques, and digital design. I enjoy experimenting with textures and different forms, often combining traditional methods with modern technology to create layered, visually compelling pieces. My art takes many forms, from prints and illustrations to zines and posters. I also use found materials like worn boards, old calendars, and photographs. My favourite colour combination is sepia and blue – they’re always the first colours to run out in my supplies!
Has your experience of migration influenced your art?
Migration has had a huge influence on my art. The themes of identity, belonging, and the emotional challenges of leaving my homeland often appear in my works as part of my experiences and emotions. I often explore the balance between staying connected to Poland and establishing new roots in Scotland. This duality comes through in my art, using contrasting colours, fragmented images, and abstract forms that reflect the blending of cultures.
In your view, does being a migrant artist influence how your art is seen in Scotland and the UK?
I believe being a migrant adds an interesting layer to how I create my works and how they are perceived. I like to connect with the themes of displacement and identity and I appreciate the cultural fusion. The migrant perspective can challenge traditional art concepts, offering fresh insights that highlight diverse backgrounds and stories.
What is your zine poster artwork about? What medium did you use and why?
My zine poster tells the story of two hands belonging to individuals from different backgrounds, both seeking a sense of belonging in a new place. Their paths intersect meaningfully in a shared space in Scotland. One person longs for the warmth and laughter of family and friends, reminiscing about joyful moments, while the other misses the comforting sunshine of their home country. I traced both my hand and my friend’s on translucent parchment, adding layers and textures to express these emotions. I worked with watercolours, pencil, and fine liner, and even incorporated scraps from previous works, symbolising the connection between past and present.
What elements of your cultural/ethnic heritage, if any, have you noticed in Scotland?
I’ve noticed many Polish influences in Scotland! There’s the Polish Sikorski Club and the Polish Saturday School, where my children studied for four years and where I volunteered. We also have Polish shops and bakeries, and cultural festivals that celebrate our heritage. Additionally, services offered in Polish and Polish community organisations help us stay connected to our roots. These spaces create a sense of belonging for Polish migrants, allowing us to maintain our culture while integrating into Scottish life.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your art, experience of migration, or heritage?
Certainly! My migration journey has taught me resilience and adaptability, which have profoundly shaped my art. Navigating different cultures and discovering my identity along the way has been a huge inspiration. I’m excited to continue exploring the migrant experience through my art, shining a light on stories that resonate with many of us but often go untold.
Marta Adamowicz
Zine 1 - First Impressions
How would you describe your profession?
I work as an artist and a medical interpreter.
What’s your country of origin, and what brought you to Scotland?
I came to Scotland around 2008. I’m originally from Poland. I moved here to do my degree top-up at uni, after studying an HND in England.
As an artist, what medium and formats do you use?
I work mainly in linocuts and with sound.
Has your experience of migration influenced your art?
I very often touch upon nostalgia and the concept of home in my art, because these are complex issues in a migrant environment.
In your view, does being a migrant artist influence how your art is seen in Scotland and the UK?
I’m not sure. I’ve heard people saying that my artwork reminds them of art from the Soviet era. It might be just because of my heritage, but it’s also possible that my art is actually influenced by it as that was the aesthetic of my childhood.
What is your zine poster artwork about?
My poster is a linocut about two taps in British bathrooms. Many migrants are puzzled by this system. They don’t know how to wash their hands when water from one tap is boiling and from the other one - freezing. The rest of the world uses mixer taps in their bathrooms! My poster got a lot of appreciation and comments from other people who were surprised about British taps.
What elements of your cultural heritage, if any, have you noticed in Scotland?
Polish culture is quite visible in Scotland. There are many Polish shops and restaurants and a Polish club here, in Glasgow. There was a Polish army unit stationed in Scotland during the Second World War, and there’s loads of places where they left their mark.
